One of the marks of true revival is a restored sense of “the fear of the Lord”. THE "FEAR OF THE LORD" COMES THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD!
The “fear of the Lord” - in a reverential sense, not abject terror, is the key aspect of the Christian life. It is a calling to revere and recognize the sovereignty and judgment of God. It is a warning to be soberly aware of the divine authority of the Lord, to not mock or trivialize His judgment or wrath upon deliberate sin. This phrase reminds us to be mindful of God in all things, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
WITHOUT THE "FEAR OF THE LORD":
We will not come to know the love of God that gives us assurance and confidence of our salvation. Proverbs 14:26 (NLT) - Those who fear the Lord are secure. He will be a refuge for their children.
1 John 4:18 (NLT) - Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.
We will not be motivated to truly "work out our own salvation.” Philippians 2:12 (AMPC) - Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
We close ourselves to the treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 9:10 (AMPC) – The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.
Our lives are likely to be shortened by our refusal to heed God's Word. Proverbs 10:27 (AMPC) - The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord prolongs one’s days, but the years of the wicked shall be made short. (eg. Open doors for attacks from the enemy - through sickness/accidents/disease etc.)
We will flirt with evil and be corrupted by it. Genesis 13:12–13 (NLT) - 12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.
When we fall into sin, we will not be motivated to repent and turn to God! Proverbs 1:25-28 - (ESV) - 25 You ignored my advice and refused to be corrected. 26 So I will laugh at your troubles and make fun of you when what you fear happens. 27 Disasters will strike you like a storm. Problems will pound you like a strong wind. Trouble and misery will weigh you down. 28 “Fools will call for me, but I will not answer. They will look for me, but they will not find me. Romans 3:12-18 (AMPC) - ...18 There is no [reverential] fear of God before their eyes. (read full passage)
Without the "fear of the Lord", we cannot please God (Isaiah 66:1-2). Only the person who "trembles at His Word" has God's promise to receive His tender mercy! (Psalm 103:17-18).
Revelation 14:7 (AMPC) – And he cried with a mighty voice, “Revere God and give Him glory (honour and praise in worship), for the hour of His judgment has arrived. Fall down before Him; pay Him homage and adoration and worship Him Who created heaven and earth, the sea and the springs (fountains) of water.”
Prayer – for us to walk in the “fear of the Lord”.